Spatial manifestation of dance as a ritual in Temple

Abstract

Bhava+Raga+Tal+Natyam = Bharatanatyam, earlier known as Sadirattam, is an Indian classical dance form which originated in Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu . The paper outlines the historic and the contemporary background of Bharatnatyam and its origin in the Chozhamandalam during the Chozha Period. The evolution of Dance in Thanjavur and the nearby areas and the study of the spaces and defining the region of Bharatnatyam. The main motive of thesis is how dance evolved in Thanjavur in Chozhamandalam Region and its importance as a centre of dance , living heritage associated with the temple; A religious Temple Dance performed in front of deity from 8th-16th century AD, by the Devdadiyars and Nattuvanaras. Devadiyars enjoyed an elite class of the Temple after the Acharyas(priest) and how Temple dance became as an important and integral part during the Chozha Empire and the construction of Periya kovil (Brihadeshwara Temple) towards the institutionalization of Dance. The focuses on Maratha period when Temple dance travelled to courts and during the time of Britishers led to its downfall and the formation of Music Academy and Kalakshetra for the revival of Temple dance into a Performing art.The thesis also highlights Natyamantapa as a sacred space and the importance of sculptures and painting in the temple . Bharat Muni, in his Natyaveda; the fifth Veda describes the spatial planning and measurement of the Theatre and describes the 108 Karanas of Shivas;the dancing postures.The thesis also underlines the Tamil inscription on the temple wall which speaks about the settlements of the Devdasis and Nattuvanaras and the spatial relation to the temple. Temple not only a place to worship but as an institute of learning where architects, dancers, sculptors and musician worked together; The center of Gurushishya Parampa . Socio-economic changes in the Temple have been a key element in shaping and Transforming spatial planning of residences for the Devadiyaars. The street where they lived is called Tallecherri Therefore, Thesis concludes with identifying the potential , bringing out the significance of Dance as an important Intangible Heritage as to be inscribed in 1972 Convention and further for its protection as per 2003 Intangible Heritage Convention .The culmination of research aims to restore the importance of architecture as a cultural foci in order to connect dance , community and cultural identity.